Opposition to re-opening of dormant quarry

A residents’ group in Ravensdale have voiced their opposition to the re-opening of a dormant quarry which they feel will detract from the area.

A residents’ group in Ravensdale have voiced their opposition to the re-opening of a dormant quarry which they feel will detract from the area.

A planning application has been lodged by Burncorp Group Ltd to re-open the quarry on Dromena Hill.

Ballymakellett and District Residents Association are strongly opposed to the re-opening of the quarry, which has sat unused for 50 years.

In a statement the residents group explained: “The effects of this on our area would be detrimental. It’s proposed to have 42 truck movements per day, 5 and a half days per week 10 hours per day.

“The roads along this proposed route are certainly not suitable for this kind of traffic.

“There have already been numerous accidents along this stretch of road due to the narrowness of part of the road. There are many families with young children travelling to the nearby schools and we also have the main bus routes for secondary school children who will be standing out along the road on these routes.

“Dromena Hill where the quarry is located plays a pivotal role in the drama of the Tain Bo Cuailgne, a story accepted as the earliest recorded epic in Western Europe and of immense importance to the National Heritage.

“Louth County Council’s development plan 1990 acknowledges the area’s “rich natural and cultural resources and the mythology of Cuchullain”.

The Tain Trail, a National mountain nature trail, begins just 40 yards from the proposed quarry entrance.

“The area is very popular with cycle groups, hill walkers and the area in general is considered to be one of outstanding natural beauty.

Submissions on this development must be lodged with Louth County Council before 2nd October 2014.”

It is understood that the reopening of the quarry will also provide new jobs in the area, with 10 position available, four of which are permanent.

The Dundalk Democrat was told that Burncop did not wish to make a comment at this time on the matter.

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